Two Cal State Northridge faculty members have some tips for finding just the right gift that will leave a smile on your child's face, and maybe even on yours.

"Think back to your own childhood," suggested Barbara J. Hill, who teaches in Northridge's Family and Consumer Sciences Department and is co-director of the university's Child and Family Studies Center. "Remember what brought you joy when you were a child, and it probably wasn't something consumer oriented. And keep in mind what your child enjoys doing.

"Whatever you get, it doesn't have to be educational, just something creative and fun. 'Fun' is the key word here," she said.

Julie Fabrocini, who teaches in CSUN's Elementary Education Department and is principal of CHIME Charter Elementary School in Woodland Hills, said parents and other loved ones should keep in mind what motivates their child as they go shopping.

"Is this child into problem solving? Is this child active? Does she have well developed growth motor skills? It requires some thought on the part of the parents," Fabrocini said. "But once they focus on their child's strengths and what motivates him or her, parents will find that ideas on what to get their child will start to materialize."

While making your selection, Hill recommended that shoppers look for durability, shelf life and creativity. She suggested visiting small, mom-and-pop toy stores rather than big commercial chains filled with consumer-oriented toys.

"The owners of those small stores really know their stuff and are willing to answer your questions and help you find just the right toy," Hill said.

Hill and Fabrocini have some age-appropriate suggestions for types of toys parents and grandparents might consider as they begin their holiday shopping:

• Birth to crawling - mirrors, musical or colorful mobiles, crib gyms, teethers, cloth blocks and clutch balls.

• One year to 18 months - simple, sturdy rising toys with no pedals, surprise boxes, balls, small wooden blocks, stacking toys, toys for the bath, books and music.

• 18 months to two years - simple indoor gyms, hammering toys, telephones, puzzles with knobs, pull toys, shape sorters, people figures, a pail and shovel, books and music.

• Two to three years - children's musical instruments, bristle blocks, pegs and pegboards, large wooden beads for stringing, dolls, doll carriages, cars and construction trucks, paper, markers, crayons, chalk, chalkboard, books and music.

• Three to four years - tricycles, hardwood blocks, LEGOs, marble runs, sewing boards, dramatic play kits such as doctors and firefighters, tea sets and a grocery store, arts and crafts materials such as crayons, chalk and chalkboard, books and music.

• Four to five years - an outdoor swing set, games, big wheels, tool sets, Lincoln logs, play tiles, a children's tape recorder, books and music.

• Elementary school-age - board games, outdoor games such as badminton, volleyball or croquet, materials to build or create with such as art supplies or knitting needles and yarn, computer software that encourages critical thinking, and books.

Fabrocini said when buying creative or building materials, parents and grandparents should not be limited by gender.

"Buy building materials for the girls and craft materials for the boys," she said. "There are no gender rules about this stuff, and your child will probably surprise you with how much fun they end up having."

Both Fabrocini and Hill recommended that parents, and grandparents, spend time with their children once the presents are opened.

"Say you get your child some knitting needles and some yarn," Fabrocini said. "The knitting needles and skein of yarn do not cost much. But the time an adult spends sitting down with a child and teaching them to knit is a gift for life."

Hill agreed. She added that while parents and grandparents may put a lot of time and thought into finding just the right gift, it's what happens after the wrapping paper has been tossed aside that really matters.

"The real pleasure of the holidays comes when you sit down with your child and play with them. Those are the memories that last a life time," she said.